wheel MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory Workshop Manual

1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MPV)
1990 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Front Axle Components
Differential-to-Chassis Mounts49-72 (66-98)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
Extension Housing-to-Differential Housing27-40 (36-54)
Lower Ball Joint-to-"A" Frame75-101 (102-137)
Splash Shield12-17 (16-23)
Rear Axle Components
Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Brake Drum Retaining Screws10-11 (14-15)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Brake Pipe Union10-16 (14-22)
Differential-To-Chassis Mount Nuts (4WD)49-72 (66-98)
Differential Carrier Bearings Cap Bolts
Front Differential27-38 (37-52)
Rear Differential54-79 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearings Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Bolts (4WD)75-101 (102-137)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Control Arm Nut (4WD)94-127 (128-172)
Rear Axle Bearing Retainer Nuts72-87 (98-118)
Rear Brake Drum Retaining Screws7-11 (10-15)
RFW Extension Housing Mount Nut (4WD)149-72 (66-98)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Splash Shield Bolts (4WD)12-17 (16-23)
Tie Rod End Nut (4WD)43-58 (59-78)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Assembly

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
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1991 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROTEGE 4WD)
1990-91 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (RX7)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Tab14-19 (19-26)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts33-50 (45-68)
Rear Mounts80-97 (109-132)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Suspension & Mounts
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange20-22 (27-30)
Front Mount33-50 (45-68)
Lateral Link46-55 (62-75)
Rear Mount80-97 (109-132)
Stabilizer Bar10-13 (14-18)
Trailing Link69-86 (94-117)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts27-38 (37-52)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Plate Bolt13-19 (18-26)
Differential Carrier-To-Housing Nuts17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Mounts39-47 (53-63)
Rear Mounts68-86 (93-116)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut87-130 (118-176)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Nuts20-22 (27-30)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Lateral Link Bolts46-55 (62-75)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Stabilizer Bar Bolts31-43 (43-58)
Trailing Link Bolts68-93 (93-126)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Carrier

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
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1990-91 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (929)
Bearing Cap Bolts (1) 54-79 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearing Cap Bolts (2) 50-66 (73-107)
Differential Carrier Bearing Lock Tab13-19 (18-26)
Differential Case Front Hanger Nut65-77 (88-104)
Differential Case Rear Mounts54-69 (73-94)
Differential Ring Gear Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-210 (127-285)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Support Strut Mounting Bolt54-69 (73-94)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)
(1)1990 Model.
(2)1991 Model.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
ABS Sensor-to-Hub Support Bolt12-17 (16-23)
Differential Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts50-66 (68-90)
Lock Tabs13-18 (18-24)
Differential Carrier-to-Housing17-20 (23-27)
Differential Case
Front Hanger Nut69-86 (94-117)
Rear Mounts69-86 (94-117)
Drive Axle Inner CV Joint Nut40-47 (54-64)
Drive Pinion Lock Nut94-130 (127-176)
Drive Shaft Companion Flange Bolts36-43 (49-58)
Filler Plug29-40 (39-54)
Ring Gear Retaining Bolts51-61 (69-83)
Wheel Lug Nuts65-87 (88-118)

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1990-91 DRIVE AXLES Differentials & Drive Axles - 929, B2200, B2600i, MX-5 Miata, MPV, Protege & RX-7
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CONTROL UNITS LOCATION
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS
SENDING UNITS & SENSORS LOCATION
MOTORS
MOTORS LOCATION
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES
SOLENOIDS & SOLENOID VALVES LOCATION
ComponentLocation
ABS Control UnitBehind center of dash, near ECU.
Cruise Control UnitBehind left side of dash, above fuse block.
Engine Control Unit (ECU)Behind center of dash. See Fig. 2 .
Supplemental Safety Restraint (SRS)
ModuleBehind left side of dash. See Fig. 3 .
ComponentLocation
ABS Wheel SensorsOn each front & rear wheel hub
assembly.
Airflow MeterConnected to air filter housing. See Fig.
2 .
Atmospheric Pressure SensorBuilt-in ECU.
Brake Fluid Level SensorInside brake master cylinder.
Coolant Temperature SensorOn water outlet, at left rear of engine. See
Fig. 2
.
Cooling Fan ThermoswitchOn thermostat housing.
Crank Angle SensorOn right rear side of cylinder head. See
Fig. 2
.
Intake Air ThermosensorIn airflow sensor unit.
Oil Pressure SensorOn left side of engine near oil filter.
SRS Crash/Impact Sensors
FrontOn center, left and right front of
vehicle. See Fig. 3
.
CenterBehind center of dash. See Fig. 3 .
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)Mounted on side of throttle body. See
Fig. 2
.
ComponentLocation
A/C-Heater Blower MotorBehind left side of dash.
Wiper MotorOn right side of firewall.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LOCATOR 1991 MAZDA ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
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SUSPENSION - FRONT
1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
DESCRIPTION
An independent front suspension with MacPherson struts is used on all models except Miata. Miata uses a
double wishbone design with coil over shock absorbers. See Fig. 1
. Strut assemblies mount between steering
knuckle and upper fender panels. Strut assemblies consist of inner shock absorbers and coil springs surrounding
outside of strut tube housing.
The steering knuckle is connected to lower control arm and strut. Lower control arm pivots at crossmember and
is connected by ball joint to steering knuckle. All models are equipped with a stabilizer bar which attaches to
each lower control arm and frame. See Fig. 1
- Fig. 5 . Some models may also be equipped with Auto Adjust
Suspension (AAS). For more information on this system, see ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION article in the
SUSPENSION section.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section.
WHEEL BEARING
Miata, Protege & 323
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove rotor.
Install a dial indicator against wheel hub and measure axial movement. Axial movement should be .002" (.05
mm) maximum. If specification is exceeded, check and adjust lock nut torque or replace bearing on Protege and
323 or hub and bearing assembly on Miata.
MPV & 929
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Install a dial
indicator against wheel hub and measure axial movement. Maximum axial movement should be .002" (.05
mm). If specification is exceeded, check and adjust lock nut torque or replace bearing on MPV 4WD and 929 or
hub and bearing assembly on MPV 2WD.
RX7
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Install a dial
indicator against hub and measure axial movement. Axial movement should be zero. If specification is
exceeded, adjust preload or replace wheel bearing.
2. To ad
just preload, remove grease cap, cotter pin and set cover. Loosen lock nut. Tighten to 14-22 ft. lbs.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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(20-29 N.m). Turn wheel hub a few times to seat bearings. Loosen lock nut slightly until it can be turned
by hand.
3. Attach spring scale to hub bolt, and measure preload. Note value. Tighten lock nut until preload is .09-2.2
lbs. (.4-1.0 kg) more than amount measured in step 2).
MX-6 & 626
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Install a dial
indicator against wheel hub and measure axial movement. Axial movement should not exceed .008" (.2 mm). If
specification is exceeded, replace wheel bearing.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Remove lower control arm. Rotate ball joint stud 3-4 times. Install Preload Attachment (49 0180 510B) to ball
joint stud. Measure ball joint preload using spring scale. Preload for all models except Miata, MPV 2WD and
929 is 4.4-7.7 lbs. (2.0-3.5 kg). Preload for Miata is 1.1-3.3 lbs. (.5-1.5 kg). Preload for MPV 2WD is 39.6 lbs.
(18. kg) or less. Preload for 929 is 1.1-2.6 lbs. (.5-1.2 kg).
Fig. 1: Exploded View of Front Suspension (Miata)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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Fig. 5: Identifying Front Suspension Components (MX-6 & 626)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal (Miata & MPV 2WD)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove grease cap
and lock nut. Remove brake rotor. Remove hub and bearing assembly.
Removal (MPV 4WD)
NOTE: Refer to Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 during removal and installation.
NOTE: On Miata & MPV 2WD, replace hub and bearing assembly as a unit.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper.
2. Separate lower control arm from ball joint. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove
bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly. Separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove
wheel hub and rotor from knuckle. Remove bearings and oil seals.
Removal (MX-6 & 626)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle.
Disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove axle lock nut.
2. Disconnect brake line from strut assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove wheel speed
sensor. Remove bolt attaching ball joint to steering knuckle. Remove bolts attaching steering knuckle to
strut assembly. Remove steering knuckle.
3. Remove wheel hub from knuckle using Puller Set (49-G033-1A1). Remove snap ring. Remove wheel
bearing from steering knuckle using Remover (49-G033-106).
Removal (Protege, 323 & 929)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove axle lock nut. Remove cotter pin, and
disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Separate lower control
arm from ball joint. Remove bolts retaining steering knuckle to strut assembly.
2. On Protege and 323, separate hub and knuckle from drive shaft. Remove wheel hub and rotor from
knuckle. Place alignment marks on rotor and wheel hub. Separate and remove dust cover. Remove
bearings, oil seals, bearing outer races and spacer.
3. On 929, remove hub and rotor. Remove grease seal, sensor ring and circlip. Press bearing from hub
assembly. DO NOT reuse old bearing once pressed from hub.
Removal (RX7)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and wire aside brake caliper. Remove grease cap,
cotter pin, nut lock and spindle nut. Remove washer and outer wheel bearing. Remove hub and rotor assembly.
Remove wheel speed sensor ring. Remove inner oil seal and wheel bearing.
Inspection (All Models)
Wash all disassembled parts before inspection. Check for damage, excessive wear and signs of bearing seizure.
Inspect steering knuckle and hub for cracks, scoring and rust. Check for damaged dust cover and poor fit with
steering knuckle.
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing preload. See WHEEL BEARING under
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
. NOTE: If bearings need to be replaced on RX7, also replace hub.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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LOWER CONTROL ARM
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped). Remove
stabilizer bar from lower control arm. Remove strut rod (if equipped). Remove ball joint clamp bolt or pivot
nut, and separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove lower control
arm.
Inspection
Check lower control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement (Miata)
Cut or press old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with paraffin-based oil. Press new bushing into
control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (MPV 4WD)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-G033-102 and 49-FO27-009), push out
front bushing. Press out rear bushing using a press and Remover/Installer (49-U034-202 and 49-GO26-103). To
install front bushing, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. To install rear bushing,
align arrows on bushing with marks on lower arm and use remover/installer to press in.
Bushing Replacement (MX-6 & 626)
Cut away bushing inner collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-GO34-2A0), push out bushing. To
install, apply soapy water to bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer
side of arm. Press in bushing until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (Protege & 323)
Using a vise and Remover/Installer Set (49-BO34-2A0), push out bushing. To install, apply soapy water to
bushing and use remover/installer to press in. Always install bushing from outer side of arm. Press in bushing
until collar contacts arm.
Bushing Replacement (929)
Cut away bushing outer collar. Using a vise and Remover/Installer (49-HO34-202 and 49-HO34-201), remove
bushing from control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Bushing Replacement (RX7)
NOTE: Lower control arm bushings are not replaceable on MPV 2WD models. Replace
control arm assembly if bushings are worn or damaged.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
Microsoft
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Push out front bushing using a press and Remover (49-G030-627A). To remove rear bushing, install Bearing
Puller (49-0710-520) on bushing. DO NOT overtighten bearing puller nuts or lower arm will be distorted and
damaged. Press to push out rear bushing using Remover (49-G030-627A). To install both bushings, use
remover and Support Block (49-0823-146).
Installation (All Models)
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten lower control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
UPPER CONTROL ARM
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove ball joint pivot nut.
Use Puller (49-0118-850C) to separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove upper control arm pivot bolts.
Remove upper control arm.
Inspection
Check upper control arm for damage or cracks. Check bushings for deterioration and excessive wear. Check
ball joint for excessive wear. Examine dust boot for damage. Replace parts as necessary.
Bushing Replacement
Using a chisel, remove old bushing from control arm. Coat new bushing with grease. Press new bushing into
control arm.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper control arm pivot bolts to specification with vehicle
resting on ground and suspension unloaded.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal (Miata)
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield. Remove stabilizer link bolt.
Separate upper ball joint from steering knuckle. Loosen lower control arm pivot bolts. Remove shock absorber
upper mount nuts and lower bolt. Move lower control arm just enough to remove shock absorber. Be careful not
to damage brake line.
Disassembly
Clamp upper mount in vise. Loosen lock nut 2 turns only. Compress coil spring using coil spring compressor.
Remove lock nut and remainin
g components. Slowly release compressor tension.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
SUSPENSION - FRONT 1990-91 SUSPENSION Front
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